IANA data points to declining September intermodal volumes

September intermodal volumes were largely down, according to data provided to LM by the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA).

Total September volume—at 1,468,650 units—was off 2.0% annually. Trailers—at 66,393—saw the largest decline, falling 28.6% annually, ahead of August’s 25.6% decline. Domestic containers—at 652,635—fell 1.9%, and all domestic equipment, which is comprised of trailers and domestic containers, slipped 5.1%, to 719,028. ISO, or international containers, were the lone segment to see an annual gain, rising 1.2%, to 749,622.

Through the first nine months of 2022, IANA reported that total intermodal volume—at 13,479,140—is down 4.0% compared to the same period a year ago. Trailers—at 708,887—decreased 21.8%, and domestic containers—at 6,157,478—were up 3.6%. All domestic equipment—at 6,866,365—eked out a 0.2%. ISO containers were down 8.0%, to 6,612,775.

When asked to assess prospects for the 2022 Peak Season in a recent interview, IANA President and CEO Joni Casey said in a previous interview that while Peak Season has not gone away, it has flattened over the years, with the expectation that it is expected to continue, with more steady traffic patterns versus peaks and valleys throughout the year. 

“There could be a noticeable increase in volumes heading into the end of the year holiday season, which would also be normal,” However, volumes still remain dependent on the issues identified previously.”

As for the impact of inflation and still-high, while declining, diesel prices on intermodal, Casey said that inflation reduces consumer spending and the demand for goods but could favor intermodal business by reducing transportation time sensitivity.

“Higher diesel prices also work in intermodal's favor, supporting the pricing competitiveness of intermodal vs. over-the-road,” she said.

In LM’s 12th Annual Rail/Intermodal Roundtable, Larry Gross, president of Gross Transportation Consulting, said that he international situation reflects capacity limitations as substantial volumes of freight remain floating off of U.S. ports awaiting unloading and subsequent inland movement.

“But the domestic situation appears to be more demand-based, as substantial capacity has been added to the system in the form of new private domestic containers,” he said. “However, lack of supporting chassis has also been a constraint.”